Chiltonia facts for kids

Chiltonia is a group of small crustaceans that live in New Zealand. They are a type of crustacean, which are like tiny shrimp or crabs. These special creatures are found only in New Zealand, meaning they are endemic there.

There are four known types, or species, of Chiltonia. Three of these species live in fresh water, like rivers and streams. The first Chiltonia was found by a scientist named Charles Chilton in 1898. The group was officially named Chiltonia the next year by T. R. R. Stebbing, to honor Charles Chilton.

Meet the Chiltonia Species

There are four different kinds of Chiltonia. Each one has its own story and special place where it lives.

Chiltonia mihiwaka

C. mihiwaka was the first Chiltonia species to be officially described. This happened in 1898, when Charles Chilton gave it its name.

It was first found on a hill called Mihiwaka, near Port Chalmers in the Otago region of New Zealand. Today, we know that C. mihiwaka lives in the Southland and Otago areas of New Zealand's South Island.

Adults of this species are about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) long. That's about the size of a small ant! They are also about 1.25 mm wide and 2 mm deep.

Chiltonia enderbyensis

C. enderbyensis was named by a scientist named Hurley in 1954. This species lives on New Zealand's subantarctic islands. These islands are far south of the main New Zealand islands.

You can find C. enderbyensis on Enderby Island and Campbell Island. Males of this species are a bit bigger than females. Males are about 8 mm (0.3 inches) long. Females are usually between 6 and 7 mm long.

Chiltonia rivertonensis

C. rivertonensis was also named by Hurley in 1954. This species lives in small streams near a town called Riverton in Southland.

Why is it "Nationally Critical"?

In 2018, the Department of Conservation said that C. rivertonensis is "Nationally Critical." This means it is in serious danger of disappearing from New Zealand.

This species is in trouble because it lives in only one small area. This area is less than 1 hectare (about 2.5 acres) in size. Scientists also need more information about this species to help protect it better.

Chiltonia minuta

C. minuta was the last of the four species to be described. Scientists are still learning about how it is related to the other Chiltonia species.

Unlike the other three species, C. minuta does not live in fresh water. Instead, it was found on a beach on Campbell Island. It was living under kelp, which is a type of large seaweed.